Are you preparing to study at a French university or in another French-speaking academic environment? Depending on the program, you may need to prove your French proficiency. DELF (Diplôme d’études en langue française) and DALF (Diplôme approfondi de langue française) are official French-language diplomas that certify your ability to communicate in French for academic, professional, and personal purposes.
These diplomas can support admission to French-taught programs, especially when a university or application procedure asks for proof of French language level. They may also be requested as part of an academic application file, depending on the institution and program. This article provides a comprehensive guide to DELF-DALF for overseas students who plan to study higher education in France or in French-speaking countries. Read to the end.
What are DELF and DALF Exams?
Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF)
Diplôme d’études en langue française (DELF), translated into English as Diploma in French Language Studies, is an exam taken by non-native speakers of French to certify French proficiency. It tests your ability to listen, read, write, and speak in French. The DELF is an official diploma issued by the French Ministry of National Education and administered through France Éducation international and approved examination centers. It corresponds to the first four levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR): A1, A2, B1, and B2.
International students planning to study in French-speaking countries may use the DELF to prove their French level when a university or application procedure requires it. The main DELF versions include DELF Prim for children, DELF Junior/Scolaire for adolescents and school students, and DELF Tout Public, which is intended for older adolescents and adults.
The DELF diploma can also support applications for work or study in French-speaking environments. It is recognized by administrative bodies, employers, and educational institutions. After passing the exam, you will receive a diploma that is valid for life and recognized internationally.
Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF)
Diplôme approfondi de langue française (DALF), translated into English as Diploma in Advanced French Language Studies, is a state diploma issued by the French Ministry of National Education to certify advanced French proficiency.
You may take the DALF if you want official proof of advanced French ability for educational, professional, personal, or immigration-related purposes.
DALF is issued by the French Ministry of National Education and administered through France Éducation international. It is divided into two independent levels, C1 and C2, which correspond to the advanced levels of the CEFR. Level C2 is the highest CEFR level and indicates mastery-level proficiency in French.
Once you pass the exam, you will receive a diploma that is valid for life. If you do not pass or if you want to retake an exam, check the rules and next available sessions with your examination center, because registration and retake policies can vary by center.
You do not need to pass DELF before taking DALF. The DELF and DALF diplomas are independent, so you should register for the level that best matches your current French proficiency.
Benefits of Taking DELF and DALF
For students looking to study in France or another French-speaking country, a DELF or DALF diploma is a widely recognized way to prove French proficiency. For French-taught programs, many institutions require applicants to demonstrate a CEFR level such as B2 or C1, but requirements vary by university and program.
Having a DELF or DALF diploma can also strengthen job applications with international companies looking to hire French speakers in sectors such as teaching, fashion, tourism, luxury, hospitality, import and export, and other fields.
The diplomas are valid for life, and the levels are independent. This means you can take the level that fits your ability; for example, you may register for DELF A2 without first passing DELF A1.
When and Where to Take DELF and DALFF?
The test is usually taken at a designated examination center. However, the date of the test and the exact location depend on the country and the exam center. You can use the official examination center list to find an approved venue near you.
The location, phone number, and email address of examination centers in your country are also available through the official search tool. Contact your chosen center for registration dates, exam fees, required documents, and local test-day rules.
Cost of Taking the DELF and DALF
The cost of taking DELF and DALF varies by country, level, and examination center. France Éducation international directs candidates to contact their local exam center for registration costs, dates, and exam locations.
For example, L’Alliance New York lists 2026 exam fees of $135 for DELF A1, $145 for DELF A2, $155 for DELF B1, $190 for DELF B2, $245 for DALF C1, and $245 for DALF C2. It also lists a $50 administrative fee added to the exam fee. Cancellation and transfer policies vary by center, so always check the rules before registering.
Overview of DELF-DALF Scoring System
The DELF examinations are divided into four parts. The first part is the listening section, where candidates listen to recordings and answer questions. The second part is the reading section, where candidates read texts and answer questions based on what they read.
The third part is the writing section, where candidates complete written tasks according to the level. The final part is the speaking section, where candidates interact with examiners.
For DELF A1 to B2, each section is scored out of 25 points, for a total of 100 points. Candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 in each section. A score below 5 out of 25 in any section is eliminatory, even if the total score is 50 or higher.
DALF C1 is also divided into four sections: oral comprehension, written comprehension, written production, and oral production. Each section is scored out of 25 points, for a total of 100 points. Candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 5 out of 25 in each section.
DALF C2 is divided into two sections: written comprehension and production, and oral comprehension and production. Each section is scored out of 50 points, for a total of 100 points. Candidates must score at least 50 out of 100 overall and at least 10 out of 50 in each section.
Universities usually focus on the CEFR level required for a program, such as B2 or C1, rather than on a higher-than-passing DELF-DALF numeric score. Always check the specific program page before registering for an exam.
In addition, DELF levels A1, A2, B1, and B2 and DALF levels C1 and C2 correspond to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), making them recognized measures of French proficiency.
Check out this table for each DELF-DALF level and linguistic competence.
| CEFR | DELF-DALF Level | Linguistic Competence |
|---|
| A – DELF | DELF A1 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions, introduce oneself, and ask or answer simple personal questions. |
| DELF A2 | Can communicate in simple, routine tasks and discuss familiar everyday topics. |
| B – DELF | DELF B1 | Can understand the main points of familiar topics, handle most travel situations, and describe experiences, events, opinions, and plans. |
| DELF B2 | Can understand complex texts, interact with fluency, and explain a viewpoint with advantages and disadvantages. |
| C – DALF | DALF C1 | Can understand demanding texts, express ideas fluently, and use French effectively in academic, professional, and social contexts. |
| DALF C2 | Can understand almost everything heard or read and express ideas very fluently, precisely, and spontaneously. |
Overview of DELF and DALF Test Structure
The DELF-DALF test structure is designed to test the candidate’s proficiency and mastery of the French language. DELF A1, A2, B1, and B2 have four parts: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. DALF C1 also has four parts, while DALF C2 combines written comprehension with written production and oral comprehension with oral production.
Check out this table for each DELF-DALF level, test section, and description.
| DELF-DALF Level | Test Section | Description |
|---|
| DELF A1 | Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking | Listening: 4 exercises, 20 minutes. Reading: 4 exercises, 30 minutes. Writing: 2 exercises, including a form and a short message of at least 40 words, 30 minutes. Speaking: 3 parts, 5 to 7 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation. |
| DELF A2 | Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking | Listening: 4 exercises, 25 minutes. Reading: 4 exercises, 30 minutes. Writing: 2 texts of at least 60 words each, 45 minutes. Speaking: 3 parts, 6 to 8 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation. |
| DELF B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking | Listening: 3 exercises, 25 minutes. Reading: 2 exercises, 45 minutes. Writing: 1 text of at least 160 words, 45 minutes. Speaking: 3 parts, 15 minutes, with 10 minutes of preparation. |
| DELF B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking | Listening: 2 exercises, 30 minutes. Reading: 2 exercises, 1 hour. Writing: 1 text of at least 250 words, 1 hour. Speaking: 2 parts, 20 minutes, with 30 minutes of preparation. |
| DALF C1 | Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension, Written Production, and Oral Production | Oral comprehension: 2 exercises, 40 minutes. Written comprehension: 1 exercise, 50 minutes. Written production: 2 exercises, including a synthesis of 220 to 240 words and a text of at least 250 words, 2 hours 30 minutes. Oral production: 2 parts, 30 minutes, with 1 hour of preparation. |
| DALF C2 | Written Comprehension and Production; Oral Comprehension and Production | Written comprehension and production: 1 combined task based on a document file of about 2,000 words, 3 hours 30 minutes. Oral comprehension and production: 3 exercises based on an audio document, 30 minutes, with 1 hour of preparation. |
Ways to Prepare for DELF-DALF
1. Prepare an Effective Study Plan
Having an effective study plan is key to preparing for your DELF-DALF exam. Select a time of day and a place where you can study consistently.
Use a study guide that highlights what you need to study, and work through it one step at a time. Reading, writing, listening, and speaking in small daily sessions can help you cover more material before the exam date.
2. Get Familiar with the Test Format
Studying the test format and structure will help you become familiar with the exam’s essential parts. It will also help you manage your time during the exam. While studying the format, identify the sections that are easier for you and spend extra time on the sections that are more challenging.
3. Start Practicing
Practice is important because the test includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections. Listen to French programs, write in French regularly, speak French with classmates or online language partners, and read French literature, news, and articles.
4. Use a Lot of Study Materials and Resources
There are free online books, books, websites, and apps that can be helpful for learning French. Using a variety of resources can give you more insight into French structure, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.
Universities and Institutions Accepting DELF-DALF
When applying to a French university or a French-language program, it is important to know the accepted DELF-DALF or CEFR level. This will help you choose the right exam level and prepare well before the application deadline.
| University Name | City / Location | French Language Requirement or Accepted Proof |
|---|
| 1. Sorbonne University | Paris, France | Generally CEFR B2 or higher for university-level courses; CEFR C1 is required for Faculty of Medicine degree programs. |
| 2. École normale supérieure de Lyon | Lyon, France | DELF B2 or DALF C1 may be accepted, depending on the program. The required level should be confirmed on the specific program page. |
| 3. Université Paris Cité | Paris, France | For French, the Faculty of Societies and Humanities lists DELF B2 and DALF C1/C2 among accepted language certificates. |
| 4. ENS Paris-Saclay | Gif-sur-Yvette / Paris-Saclay, France | A minimum B2 level in French and/or English is required, depending on the language of instruction. Departments may set specific conditions. |
| 5. Université PSL | Paris, France | For programs taught in French, non-French speakers generally need B2 or C1 proficiency on DELF/DALF. Requirements vary by program. |
| 6. Columbia University | New York, USA | Columbia’s French department grants 3 credits for completion of DELF B2, after the student completes an eligible 3000-level French course with a grade of B or higher. |
| 7. University of Ottawa | Ontario, Canada | For French-language undergraduate programs, accepted tests include DALF C1 or C2 and DELF B2, with a required score of 16/25 in Production écrite. |
| 8. Aix-Marseille Université | Marseille, France | For non-exchange degree-seeking students from non-French-speaking countries, AMU states that a French language test certificate at B2 level or equivalent is required. Exchange requirements may vary. |
Preparing to take the DELF-DALF test requires planning. You need to understand the test structure, levels, scoring system, accepted levels for different universities, and practical ways to prepare. You do not have to take DELF before DALF, but many learners start with DELF because it covers A1 to B2, while DALF is designed for advanced C1 and C2 users.
We hope this Complete Guide to DELF-DALF will help you prepare for your studies abroad! Visit our Study in France and Available Programs in Europe for more information about European universities and scholarship opportunities!
